Former NYC Medical Society President: Private Innovation Key Driver Behind Public Health Gains
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A new report from the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) explores how private-sector innovations, driven by profit and self-interest, have played a far greater role in improving public health than government interventions. Drawing from the work of economist Adam Smith, CEI senior fellow and former New York County Medical Society President, Joel M. Zinberg, M.D., J.D. highlights how breakthroughs like the germ theory of disease, the development of new HIV and Hepatitis C drugs, and recent cancer and obesity treatments have led to substantial increases in life expectancy and health outcomes. In contrast, Dr. Zinberg argues that government initiatives such as Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act, while expanding health insurance coverage and increasing medical spending, have had less impact on improving measurable health outcomes. The report suggests that innovation, rather than government mandates, has been the key to driving health progress and reducing mortality rates.
Report: Health gains stem from private sector innovation, not government
(Zinberg, M.D., J.D. Competitive Enterprise Institute, 10/1/24).
